Description
A fragrant and comforting slow-cooked Moroccan-inspired chicken dish with sweet apricots, chickpeas, and warm spices, topped with crunchy toasted almonds.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2–1/4 pounds)
3/4 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered
4 teaspoons Moroccan seasoning (ras el hanout)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1–1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup orange juice
Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add slivered almonds and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, brown chicken thighs on both sides. Remove from heat.
- Transfer chicken to a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker.
- Stir chili sauce, apricot preserves, dried apricots, Moroccan seasoning, vanilla extract, and garlic powder into the skillet drippings.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook, covered, on low for 4 to 4-1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 170°-175°F.
- Stir in garbanzo beans and orange juice. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 15-30 minutes longer.
- Serve topped with toasted almonds and, if desired, chopped parsley.
Notes
- Can substitute boneless chicken for a leaner option; adjust cooking time.
- Replace apricot preserves with peach or mango preserves for variety.
- Add carrots or sweet potatoes for extra vegetables.
- Fresh apricots can be used in season for a brighter flavor.
- For more heat, add cayenne pepper.
- Dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
